Content

Me and my job

How do you explain your job in simple terms?
My job is to allow the secure transfer of both inbound and outbound data communications to our network. This includes email, internet access, access to public data via the clerk of courts website, as well as provide secure access for the “work from home” workforce.

What part of your job makes you most proud?
The ability to achieve the redundancy necessary to meet our 99 percent SLA [service level agreement], while keeping the network secure and very functional.

For what would you use a magic IT security wand?
To turn all of the hackers and virus writers that attempt to infiltrate my network into toads.

What's your information security dream job?
[It would be] pre- or post-sales engineer because it would allow me to utilize my engineering talent and support sales. I would like a job for which I can work out of my home office when necessary.

How did you get interested in the field of information security?
Actually, I didn't have a choice. A combination of network growth, capabilities and project initiatives are what drove me into the security field and I have loved it ever since.

What do you think is ignored in the industry?
The lack of funds available to employees who have been tasked with the tremendous responsibility
to secure their data [is a dangerous trend].

Do you have any information security predictions for the next five years?
The UTM [unified threat management] market will absolutely explode as performance and ease of administration continually make strides.


SKILLS IN DEMAND:
Build, and they will come

Today, building secure applications from the ground up is both necessary and more cost effective than trying to secure an existing application that wasn't originally developed with security in mind.  Until recently, only the largest employers had the luxury of assigning a security professional to application development/software development projects. Now, corporate and consultant positions abound.

Driving on the web
To qualify, one must have a strong background in C, C++, Java, .NET and web driven technologies.

Opportunity abounds
Corporate positions pay between $85,000 and $120,000+. Consultant opportunities pay as much as $160,000 to $200,000.
- Source: Jeff Snyder, SecurityRecruiter.com

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